Wow! I found your channel last week and thought your content was so helpful, but I was really sad that you had last posted five months ago. I saw that you had health stuff going on, but I'm really happy to see you make this video!
Great video, Cat! Since my needs are different (General Zoom meetings at work and Teams meetings for an organization I volunteer for) I discovered that the secret solution was literally in my pocket. I use Apple's Continuity Camera feature. My home machine is a 2019 iMac with a pretty poor camera, so I got a mount from Amazon that sits atop the iMac, and use Continuity Camera. It made a HUGE difference in color quality and sharpness. It does do full frame focus, but on the Mac it adds a small green square in the menu bar that allows some flexibility with focus. Alternatively, you can also blur in Zoom or Teams, but that creates a pretty poor image, in my opinion. I use an iPhone 14 pro and the quality is miles beyond the internal cam or the Logitech C920 Pro I had lying around.
Absolutely! The Continuity Cam is a great option. I've used it when I'm not in the studio, although there are times when I wish I could use my phone during the session 😂
@@CatMulvihill Exactly! As an example, I was in a meeting with continuity cam going on Tuesday, and our campus Google Apps kicked me out of my session. I needed to re-authenticate via Cisco Duo, which is of course triggered through my phone. So, I had to disconnect my camera, get the prompt, and then reconnect. Aggravating for sure, but one of the staff liaisons for the organization I volunteer for commented when I first started using it: "What kind of camera are you using? It's amazing!" Thanks again for sharing this content, Cat!
Black magic camera for the iPhone now allows for remote monitoring with an iPad if you have it. Another option which is more complex but less complex than using a camera like the zve10
I always appreciate facilitators that speak from experience and add that to make the content more user friendly and engaging. Thank you great session!!
After a screen capture of you side-by-side, I zoomed in on your left eye and then compared both left eyes. The pixels show that it's just the opposite of what you presented. The webcam (Insta360 Link) actually produces a sharper image.
Thanks Cat. Comparisons are always helpful. For a while now I have kept and extra iPhone mounted on a tripod on my desk and the Camo Studio software to manage the video. The software has a lot of features that I didn't see when I used a webcam. This has proven to be good quality for the calls I make. The only downside is having to reconnect the iPhone tot he software after a computer restart. This is a friction point that might be too much for some people.
I did so many tests on this. I love the ease of use of the insta. And prefer it to anything else when I want to spin up a quick meet or session. The cost trade-off is a no brainer too. I’ve also tested the iPhone 15 pro which also looks great and works great with native connections to Mac. I think Mac’s camera settings (both iPhone and with controlling other cameras) work well too. Portrait view, studio light work well. For planned live streams where I can plan and set everything and I’m only live for 30 mins - the dig canon looks great but still an expensive option. Had I not already had it I probably would not have bought it for this alone.
Great video Cat. I see too many concerned with how they look, without paying attention to how they sound. I think any budget needs to consider mic choice (and possibly interface), as well as camera (and lens) choice. Then again, I see so many people buying "a good mic" but having it too far from their mouth and getting poor results, especially if not wearing earbuds or headphones to limit feedback or echo, made worse in a room with hard surfaces. I suppose lighting needs to come third in the budget as well. I'd rather have good sound and medium video, than great video and medium audio, especially for Zoom sales and coaching. I have the ZV_E10 and Sigma 16, and just plug it into power (no dummy batter) and it goes all day, but I leave the flip screen out, which may help keeping it cool. Has never shut down, even when I've left it on overnight. As I use a branded green screen (branded backgrounds help in sales and coaching) I have to have a large green screen (4x6 feet I think, and annoyingly with curved corners) with the wide Sigma 16 mm lens, and have the green screen close. I really should get a larger rectangular green screen with square corners, or change to a Viltrox 23 mm 1.4 lens. FYI, as I use a branded virtual background, I have had my graphic designer apply slight blur to the brand plate so it has a similar bokeh effect. FYI, I sue the Sony remote control to Zoom the camera in if required. Very cheap and handy. I really need to upgrade to an Elgato teleprompter so that I can look at a prospect or client in the eye when on Zoom. You could do a video lesson on all the above. Welcome back. Keen follower - Jamie Brisbane
Welcome back! (I commented previously, but it looks like it got swallowed up.) In brief, thanks for the comparison between a webcam and a mirrorless camera! You presented a great rundown of the pros and cons, and though I still prefer the look of a "real" camera, the ease and convenience of a webcam cannot be ignored. Thank you!
🔥Cat couldn't have picked a better pair of "webcam" and "real camera" cameras to compare than these 2 for anyone wanting any level of video production from Zoom call interaction up to entry level professional grade content creation! We have both in use in a professional studio application, Insta link 360 and the Sony ZV-E10 with the pathetic kit lens and can attest first hand to the differences. Short version, for a "webcam", (quality Zoom meetings not quite pro media level productions, the Insta 360 Link as a Web Cam is hands down THE best budget web cam, PERIOD! If wanting professional level media capability at a fraction the cost, I'll argue to the day of my death, the Sony ZV-E10 with any lens above the kit lens, "will" deliver! the kit lens, "can" deliver, its depth of field is limited compared to a "real" lens but does deliver beyond par within its price point. The Sony ZV-E10 comes to the table with FAR more features than any other dedicated "web-cam", PERIOD! ("Yeah I use that term a lot, in "context", keep that in mind in regard to "your interpretation of quality!" Now lets step up, Yes.. overall quality of the image, coloring, depth of hue, depth of field, contrast, saturation, etc, is improved "noticeably", beyond the Insta-360 link, though that quality upgrade comes at a cost. What the Sony ZV-E10 brings to the table over the Insta 360 LINK is "depth of field, and less so... color and hue saturation and contrast over MUCH broader spectrum from its weak lens and smaller seneor, limits its depth of field attributes compared to "real cameras", the "Bokeh effect" Depending on the mission of the application, may or may not be an issue. The Insta 360-Link at a fraction the price, may be more than adequate! Though... desiring the blurred background to keep the obversors focus on the subject with as little as distraction from the actual subject as possible, your budget allows then the Insta-360 Link may fit the mission at a fraction of the cost.
Glad to see you back!! What I am waiting for is a webcam that is the quality of a mirrorless. I'd love to see a Sony webcam that you can swap mirrorless lenses and has manual controls. Then you would have the best of both worlds, plug and play and bokeh! I'd pay $500 for that! Oh yeah, and HDMI and USB connection. 😄
Welcome back. I agree with the Sony ZV-e10 + lens - though I use the Tokina 23mm more than Sigma 16mm as I fill the frame better, I find Connected via a Camlink 4K into a USB port - and Linux
Nice comparison thank you! The other advantage of webcams that I'd add is they are great in low light conditions out of the box. If you're in a darkish room, a camera can be a real struggle to adjust the settings to get settings right and when you increase ISO and shutter speed etc you end up with worse quality than the webcam!
Welcome back, Cat. It's great to see you again! Thanks for this video. I've been using the Opal C1 webcam, which has its own software that lets you adjust many things, including the bokeh effect, and it's pretty close to the "real thing."
Thanks for sharing! It's incredible that so many new webcams have background options. You get the benefits of the webcam and still achieve the desired effects.
@@CatMulvihill@CatMulvihill I originally used my Canon 7D, but there was the overheating issue. Then went to the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III to control the F-stop and create a beautiful depth of field...but I ended up on the Opal C1 for price and look.
The disadvantages of mirrorless cameras can all be resolved by purchasing Sony ZV-1F. Since it's a fixed-lens camera(20mm f2.8), there's no need to spend additional money on lenses. Most importantly, it’s incredibly easy to connect. With just one USB-C cable, you can connect it directly to your computer, making it nearly indistinguishable from a webcam in terms of ease of use. This way, you can save on the cost of a capture card. While it only supports HD quality in this setup, the output surpasses that of a typical webcam and even exceeds the quality of most FHD webcams. Additionally, this camera comes equipped with software features for skin smoothing and enhancement.
@@SuperWolfkin Of course, it's possible. You can turn skin smoothing on or off and adjust its intensity. However, no matter how good a camera you use in virtual meetings, you can't achieve the sharp image you desire. The primary focus of virtual meetings is the real-time transmission of data.Therefore, in virtual meetings, audio is more important than video, and overall quality is influenced more by audio than by video. As of 2024, if you want to obtain a sharp image, you need to record using the camera's internal recording feature.
Totally agree! I use a ZV-1F as my main "webcam" at work. I leave it mounted on a tabletop tripod on my desk with a dummy battery and USB-C cable connected. Just one button press to turn it on and it's instantly in USB streaming mode. Perfect for Zoom calls. It's a fantastic option if you want to up your webcam game.
@@instructormatt_ You probably won't need a dummy battery. The camera has a USB option that allows for charging while streaming. The camera's heat does rise slightly, but it's not too bad. However, it's still a good choice for the battery's lifespan
Great to see you again, Cat. The SONY has not only a nice Bokeh but is way more brillant and more detailed as the Insta. After experimenting for years I actually use for everydays meetings a Logitech BRIO 4K which is for this usecase better, faster and more easygoing than all other devices I tested (including quite more expensive equipment). Plug an go, capable even to accept very low light due some electronic features. For UA-camr like you, a higher sophisticated setup makes sense (but it's not a must). So the SONY is the right direction. However, regarding light I would improve your setup a little. It's a bit too dark for my taste and hair light could be stronger. The visual impression could be brighter, not only (but also) because you are a bright person 🙂. Light is way more the key to a perfect picture than the cam itself, at least if the cam is not a cheap crap. For instance, a Logitech C920s HD Pro for around 70 bucks delivers with good light excellent pictures. So I am already excited for your next videos. Thanks for your appreciated work.
Except the depth of field difference, I'm astonished that the Insta360 Link holds up so well against the Sony with a premiun Sigma lense. I mean, the whole Insta360 is cheaper than the Sigma lense. After seeing this comparison, I'm convinced that the Insta360 is an excellent webcam to start with and migrate as a top down view camera, once you get the budget to buy the Sony ZV-E10 with the superb Sigma lense.
the sony is sooo much better. great to see them side by side. another option if you are in apple ecosystem is using the continuity camera feautre on a mac, which uses your iphone as a camera instead of the mac inbuilt webcam. image quaoty is superior and lots of other benefits like deskview. maybe worth a gander if you are on a mac.
I wonder if it's possible to leave the DSLR camera connected to an external power source (like a dummy battery with an AC adapter) and then turn it on or off via a power switch, without having to manually reach behind the stationary camera set up in the teleprompter?
If we’re presenting against a green screen and adding a backdrop in Ecamm-since we don’t have a nice studio setup-what prime lens would be appropriate? I assume the bokeh effect is lost against a green screen. Thanks!
How far away is your teleprompter? I bought the same one (based on one of your previous videos, and I’m also using the insta360 with the shroud) and it’s currently positioned behind my large monitor, positioned as low and as close it could be without blocking the monitor, but I find that in Teams calls the screen is too far away to see what’s going on clearly. Do I need to find a mount so that the teleprompter is more just behind my keyboard (and obscuring my main monitor) and bring it in and out as needed? Thanks!
Welcome back. Our eyes do not see a blurred background, (unless you are seeing city smog). If you really want a blurred background it can be done with software or a green screen. Getting back to fundamentals; what is more important, the message or the messenger? Now all that remains is to curate the archive?
Be careful! Once you go camera based, you won’t want to go back to using any webcam. My ZV-e10 has never shut down even when I forget to turn it off but I’m not using a capture card and only streaming via USB-C. Everyone comments on how great the image is on every platform or app that I stream. It is a lot more money, but if you’re leading a lot of classes or even leading calls, it is a great investment to buy a good camera and lens. It levels up your video capabilities.
Très bien Cat, merci pour vos conseils et à bientôt !
Cat’s back!!! Great video as always!!
Wow! I found your channel last week and thought your content was so helpful, but I was really sad that you had last posted five months ago. I saw that you had health stuff going on, but I'm really happy to see you make this video!
Great video, Cat! Since my needs are different (General Zoom meetings at work and Teams meetings for an organization I volunteer for) I discovered that the secret solution was literally in my pocket. I use Apple's Continuity Camera feature. My home machine is a 2019 iMac with a pretty poor camera, so I got a mount from Amazon that sits atop the iMac, and use Continuity Camera. It made a HUGE difference in color quality and sharpness. It does do full frame focus, but on the Mac it adds a small green square in the menu bar that allows some flexibility with focus. Alternatively, you can also blur in Zoom or Teams, but that creates a pretty poor image, in my opinion. I use an iPhone 14 pro and the quality is miles beyond the internal cam or the Logitech C920 Pro I had lying around.
Absolutely! The Continuity Cam is a great option. I've used it when I'm not in the studio, although there are times when I wish I could use my phone during the session 😂
@@CatMulvihill Exactly! As an example, I was in a meeting with continuity cam going on Tuesday, and our campus Google Apps kicked me out of my session. I needed to re-authenticate via Cisco Duo, which is of course triggered through my phone. So, I had to disconnect my camera, get the prompt, and then reconnect. Aggravating for sure, but one of the staff liaisons for the organization I volunteer for commented when I first started using it: "What kind of camera are you using? It's amazing!" Thanks again for sharing this content, Cat!
Black magic camera for the iPhone now allows for remote monitoring with an iPad if you have it. Another option which is more complex but less complex than using a camera like the zve10
I always appreciate facilitators that speak from experience and add that to make the content more user friendly and engaging. Thank you great session!!
After a screen capture of you side-by-side, I zoomed in on your left eye and then compared both left eyes. The pixels show that it's just the opposite of what you presented. The webcam (Insta360 Link) actually produces a sharper image.
I agree. Better skin tones and less contrasty as well.
Thanks Cat. Comparisons are always helpful. For a while now I have kept and extra iPhone mounted on a tripod on my desk and the Camo Studio software to manage the video. The software has a lot of features that I didn't see when I used a webcam. This has proven to be good quality for the calls I make. The only downside is having to reconnect the iPhone tot he software after a computer restart. This is a friction point that might be too much for some people.
I did so many tests on this. I love the ease of use of the insta. And prefer it to anything else when I want to spin up a quick meet or session. The cost trade-off is a no brainer too. I’ve also tested the iPhone 15 pro which also looks great and works great with native connections to Mac. I think Mac’s camera settings (both iPhone and with controlling other cameras) work well too. Portrait view, studio light work well. For planned live streams where I can plan and set everything and I’m only live for 30 mins - the dig canon looks great but still an expensive option. Had I not already had it I probably would not have bought it for this alone.
Great video Cat.
I see too many concerned with how they look, without paying attention to how they sound. I think any budget needs to consider mic choice (and possibly interface), as well as camera (and lens) choice.
Then again, I see so many people buying "a good mic" but having it too far from their mouth and getting poor results, especially if not wearing earbuds or headphones to limit feedback or echo, made worse in a room with hard surfaces.
I suppose lighting needs to come third in the budget as well.
I'd rather have good sound and medium video, than great video and medium audio, especially for Zoom sales and coaching.
I have the ZV_E10 and Sigma 16, and just plug it into power (no dummy batter) and it goes all day, but I leave the flip screen out, which may help keeping it cool. Has never shut down, even when I've left it on overnight.
As I use a branded green screen (branded backgrounds help in sales and coaching) I have to have a large green screen (4x6 feet I think, and annoyingly with curved corners) with the wide Sigma 16 mm lens, and have the green screen close. I really should get a larger rectangular green screen with square corners, or change to a Viltrox 23 mm 1.4 lens.
FYI, as I use a branded virtual background, I have had my graphic designer apply slight blur to the brand plate so it has a similar bokeh effect.
FYI, I sue the Sony remote control to Zoom the camera in if required. Very cheap and handy.
I really need to upgrade to an Elgato teleprompter so that I can look at a prospect or client in the eye when on Zoom.
You could do a video lesson on all the above.
Welcome back. Keen follower - Jamie Brisbane
Welcome back! (I commented previously, but it looks like it got swallowed up.) In brief, thanks for the comparison between a webcam and a mirrorless camera! You presented a great rundown of the pros and cons, and though I still prefer the look of a "real" camera, the ease and convenience of a webcam cannot be ignored. Thank you!
🔥Cat couldn't have picked a better pair of "webcam" and "real camera" cameras to compare than these 2 for anyone wanting any level of video production from Zoom call interaction up to entry level professional grade content creation!
We have both in use in a professional studio application, Insta link 360 and the Sony ZV-E10 with the pathetic kit lens and can attest first hand to the differences.
Short version, for a "webcam", (quality Zoom meetings not quite pro media level productions, the Insta 360 Link as a Web Cam is hands down THE best budget web cam, PERIOD! If wanting professional level media capability at a fraction the cost, I'll argue to the day of my death, the Sony ZV-E10 with any lens above the kit lens, "will" deliver! the kit lens, "can" deliver, its depth of field is limited compared to a "real" lens but does deliver beyond par within its price point.
The Sony ZV-E10 comes to the table with FAR more features than any other dedicated "web-cam", PERIOD! ("Yeah I use that term a lot, in "context", keep that in mind in regard to "your interpretation of quality!" Now lets step up,
Yes.. overall quality of the image, coloring, depth of hue, depth of field, contrast, saturation, etc, is improved "noticeably", beyond the Insta-360 link, though that quality upgrade comes at a cost. What the Sony ZV-E10 brings to the table over the Insta 360 LINK is "depth of field, and less so... color and hue saturation and contrast over MUCH broader spectrum from its weak lens and smaller seneor, limits its depth of field attributes compared to "real cameras", the "Bokeh effect" Depending on the mission of the application, may or may not be an issue. The Insta 360-Link at a fraction the price, may be more than adequate! Though... desiring the blurred background to keep the obversors focus on the subject with as little as distraction from the actual subject as possible, your budget allows then the Insta-360 Link may fit the mission at a fraction of the cost.
Glad to see you back!! What I am waiting for is a webcam that is the quality of a mirrorless. I'd love to see a Sony webcam that you can swap mirrorless lenses and has manual controls. Then you would have the best of both worlds, plug and play and bokeh! I'd pay $500 for that! Oh yeah, and HDMI and USB connection. 😄
real camera quality is nice but for my audience... convenience, simplicity, and cost hit me with a reality check every time.
welcome back! 😊
Reality checks can save us in the end!
Great work, well presented and explained!
Welcome back. I agree with the Sony ZV-e10 + lens - though I use the Tokina 23mm more than Sigma 16mm as I fill the frame better, I find
Connected via a Camlink 4K into a USB port - and Linux
Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic comparison and breakdown. Thanks!
Nice comparison thank you! The other advantage of webcams that I'd add is they are great in low light conditions out of the box. If you're in a darkish room, a camera can be a real struggle to adjust the settings to get settings right and when you increase ISO and shutter speed etc you end up with worse quality than the webcam!
Welcome back, Cat. It's great to see you again! Thanks for this video. I've been using the Opal C1 webcam, which has its own software that lets you adjust many things, including the bokeh effect, and it's pretty close to the "real thing."
Thanks for sharing! It's incredible that so many new webcams have background options. You get the benefits of the webcam and still achieve the desired effects.
@@CatMulvihill@CatMulvihill I originally used my Canon 7D, but there was the overheating issue. Then went to the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III to control the F-stop and create a beautiful depth of field...but I ended up on the Opal C1 for price and look.
was waiting for you Cat. i m gadget geek too, and love ur videos :) keep'em coming more frequently :)😄
The disadvantages of mirrorless cameras can all be resolved by purchasing Sony ZV-1F. Since it's a fixed-lens camera(20mm f2.8), there's no need to spend additional money on lenses. Most importantly, it’s incredibly easy to connect. With just one USB-C cable, you can connect it directly to your computer, making it nearly indistinguishable from a webcam in terms of ease of use. This way, you can save on the cost of a capture card. While it only supports HD quality in this setup, the output surpasses that of a typical webcam and even exceeds the quality of most FHD webcams. Additionally, this camera comes equipped with software features for skin smoothing and enhancement.
is the skin smoothing enhancement stuff locked on or you can turn it off. For what I want I really prefer good quality unaltered footage.
Sony usually lets you choose between off/low/med/high for skin smoothing.
@@SuperWolfkin Of course, it's possible. You can turn skin smoothing on or off and adjust its intensity. However, no matter how good a camera you use in virtual meetings, you can't achieve the sharp image you desire. The primary focus of virtual meetings is the real-time transmission of data.Therefore, in virtual meetings, audio is more important than video, and overall quality is influenced more by audio than by video. As of 2024, if you want to obtain a sharp image, you need to record using the camera's internal recording feature.
Totally agree! I use a ZV-1F as my main "webcam" at work. I leave it mounted on a tabletop tripod on my desk with a dummy battery and USB-C cable connected. Just one button press to turn it on and it's instantly in USB streaming mode. Perfect for Zoom calls. It's a fantastic option if you want to up your webcam game.
@@instructormatt_ You probably won't need a dummy battery. The camera has a USB option that allows for charging while streaming. The camera's heat does rise slightly, but it's not too bad. However, it's still a good choice for the battery's lifespan
❤ this comparison
Great to see you again, Cat. The SONY has not only a nice Bokeh but is way more brillant and more detailed as the Insta. After experimenting for years I actually use for everydays meetings a Logitech BRIO 4K which is for this usecase better, faster and more easygoing than all other devices I tested (including quite more expensive equipment). Plug an go, capable even to accept very low light due some electronic features.
For UA-camr like you, a higher sophisticated setup makes sense (but it's not a must). So the SONY is the right direction. However, regarding light I would improve your setup a little. It's a bit too dark for my taste and hair light could be stronger. The visual impression could be brighter, not only (but also) because you are a bright person 🙂. Light is way more the key to a perfect picture than the cam itself, at least if the cam is not a cheap crap. For instance, a Logitech C920s HD Pro for around 70 bucks delivers with good light excellent pictures.
So I am already excited for your next videos. Thanks for your appreciated work.
Except the depth of field difference, I'm astonished that the Insta360 Link holds up so well against the Sony with a premiun Sigma lense. I mean, the whole Insta360 is cheaper than the Sigma lense. After seeing this comparison, I'm convinced that the Insta360 is an excellent webcam to start with and migrate as a top down view camera, once you get the budget to buy the Sony ZV-E10 with the superb Sigma lense.
the sony is sooo much better. great to see them side by side.
another option if you are in apple ecosystem is using the continuity camera feautre on a mac, which uses your iphone as a camera instead of the mac inbuilt webcam. image quaoty is superior and lots of other benefits like deskview. maybe worth a gander if you are on a mac.
I wonder if it's possible to leave the DSLR camera connected to an external power source (like a dummy battery with an AC adapter) and then turn it on or off via a power switch, without having to manually reach behind the stationary camera set up in the teleprompter?
Someone has told me they use this approach for their camera.
If we’re presenting against a green screen and adding a backdrop in Ecamm-since we don’t have a nice studio setup-what prime lens would be appropriate? I assume the bokeh effect is lost against a green screen. Thanks!
If you are using green screen, you can set your background to one with a little blur and not worry about the depth of field.
How far away is your teleprompter? I bought the same one (based on one of your previous videos, and I’m also using the insta360 with the shroud) and it’s currently positioned behind my large monitor, positioned as low and as close it could be without blocking the monitor, but I find that in Teams calls the screen is too far away to see what’s going on clearly. Do I need to find a mount so that the teleprompter is more just behind my keyboard (and obscuring my main monitor) and bring it in and out as needed? Thanks!
Welcome back. Our eyes do not see a blurred background, (unless you are seeing city smog). If you really want a blurred background it can be done with software or a green screen. Getting back to fundamentals; what is more important, the message or the messenger?
Now all that remains is to curate the archive?
Be careful! Once you go camera based, you won’t want to go back to using any webcam. My ZV-e10 has never shut down even when I forget to turn it off but I’m not using a capture card and only streaming via USB-C. Everyone comments on how great the image is on every platform or app that I stream. It is a lot more money, but if you’re leading a lot of classes or even leading calls, it is a great investment to buy a good camera and lens. It levels up your video capabilities.